What it is: a heartwarming celebration of differences among a group of animal friends. Whether they dress differently (a scarf for llama, a parasol for elephant), get around differently (a wheelchair for wombat, a unicycle for squirrel), or pace themselves differently (tiger is speedy where porcupine is steady), nothing can divide these devoted pals.

Want a taste? "You don't look just like me. You don't see the things I see. You don't walk just like me... You just like me!"

What it is: The spare, sweetly expressive observations of a dog as he gazes longingly through a window at the animals outside.

Why kids might like it: Each sentence begins with "I see...", and though some of the words that follow are more difficult than others ("squirrel" is more of a stretch than "bee"), the simplicity and repetition may help tentative readers gain confidence.

Introducing: brothers Charlie and Mouse, who are having a busy day: after waking their parents, they throw a neighborhood party, try to sell some rocks, and wheedle their way to an extra bedtime snack.

Series alert: Kids who enjoy the easygoing tone and likeable characters in this series opener can follow Charlie and Mouse's ongoing antics in Charlie & Mouse & Grumpy.